When you love a place, you want to protect it. The PADI AWARE Foundation recognizes this passion, and gives you the tools to adopt your blue dreams into concrete realities.
Introducing the PADI AWARE Conservation Action Portal (CAP)
The new PADI AWARE Conservation Action Portal (CAP) is your gateway to tracking and amplifying the positive impact of your conservation efforts. CAP makes it easier than ever to log Dive Against Debris surveys, take action with Adopt the Blue dive site, and showcase your center’s leadership through the PADI AWARE Conservation Impact Map—all in one place. With seamless access via your PADI SSO and a modern web and mobile app experience, CAP helps turn every action into a visible contribution to global ocean conservation.
Take action now by visiting padiaware.org and make sure your dive center and conservation activities are part of the movement.
What is the Adopt the Blue Network?
Adopt the Blue (ATB) is the largest network of underwater sites for conservation action. It is the next iteration of AWARE’s Adopt a Dive Site Program. PADI’s global network of 6,600 dive centers and resorts and more than 128,000 professional members worldwide provide the backbone for Adopt The Blue. The program’s main goal is to accelerate the pathway to Marine Protected Areas (MPA) status at sites that are relevant for protection and conservation. The program’s main goal is to accelerate protection and conservation action at a specific site. When you adopt, the Foundation and their partners can see the issues facing the site and connect it to local and global projects, campaigns and grant opportunities.
How do I Adopt the Blue?
The application form takes 3-5 minutes and can be found on the PADI AWARE app. Currently in English only.
Who is eligible to Adopt the Blue?
Only PADI Dive Centers, Resorts or PADI Dive Professionals can Adopt the Blue.
Does it have to be a dive site?
The site does not have to be a dive site. For example, adopted sites could be a mangrove restoration site in shallow water. NOTE: You cannot adopt a land-based site, such as your dive center.
Can I adopt freshwater sites, or sites we travel to?
Yes. You can adopt freshwater sites, such as the dock at your local quarry. You can also adopt sites that you may have to travel for.
Can multiple PADI Operators adopt the same site?
Yes. In fact, this makes identifying potential conservation action opportunities to support easier.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adopt the Blue
Follow these steps to join the Adopt the Blue network.
- Open or Download the PADI AWARE App to acess the PADI AWARE Conservation Action Portal (CAP)
- Enter your PADI Single Sign On (SSO) to access your CAP profile
- You can create your PADI SSO profile and login information right in the app.
- Your profile is where you can access citizen science data, access education tools, and participate in conservation actions
- PADI AWARE Conservation Action Portal Tips for PADI Dive Centers & Resorts
- Use the primary PADI SSO Login profile for your team on behalf of your dive operation. This way all future citizen science will be linked to your store, and all staff can access and contribute equally.
- If you cannot actively share that information, use an email address that can be reached by members of your dive team, and shared freely amongst them.
- Reach out to PADI AWARE Staff and let us know, and we will help you with the transfer of your citizen science data.
- Click the Bright Blue “Adopt the Blue” button in the Citizen Science Survey section of your profile
- You can also find it in the menu section to begin
- Follow the prompts to apply
- Enter your PADI Dive Center Store Number, or PADI Professional Number
- Add your social media handles in the fields provided.
- Note, the URL is already provided, only add your handle for both Facebook and for Instagram.
- Label your adopted site, add your GPS Marker and then your area
- Make sure to add your GPS marker at the adopted site location, as central as possible, and in the water
- For the site area, zoom in as much as possible to get an accurate measurement
- Specify your Ecosystem and Conservation Issue (if any)
- Tell us what type of conservation actions are important at this adopted site
- Identify Marine Protected Area status at your adopted site
- Help us reach our goal, by identifying which adopted sites need protections
- Receive your badge, and see your site on your CAP profile
PADI AWARE Conservation Impact Map
The PADI AWARE Conservation Impact Map visually represents the largest network of underwater sites for conservation action. Here, you can see your adopted sites, and others in your community. You can filter by conservation action, and also by marine protected area status.
This is where we are able to identify opportunities to create conservation action. When you Adopt the Blue, we can see you.
Your customers can also see your adopted sites. We drive consumers to use this map.
They can reach out to you directly, both via email and social media, to join your efforts and join a diving experience.
Now That You Have Adopted the Blue, What is Next?
Take Citizen Science Action: Once you Adopt the Blue, you will also be able to tag your adopted site for your citizen science surveys, to promote the action you are taking. You may be also prompted to participate in a variety of conservation efforts at your site over time.
Adopt More Sites: There is no limit to the number of sites one dive center or PADI professional can adopt. Consider adopting a training site, a site where cleanups are needed, or even areas where there people / tourists frequent the most, such as a dock or harbor.
Apply for a PADI AWARE Grant: 25% of all donations to PADI AWARE Foundation, goes directly to the Community Grant Program. The aim of which is to help fund local and global initiatives for ocean conservation. PADI Dive Centers, small Non-Profits and NGOS are eligible. Your Adopt the Blue commitment also counts towards points within the application process. Want to apply? Check out our PADI AWARE Grant Blog.
Become a PADI Eco Center: PADI Eco Centers are the premier choice for all divers, adventurers and travel experts seeking ocean-first, marine conscious operators that place sustainability at the top of their agenda. Adopt the Blue is the first step in becoming a PADI Eco Center. Learn more about PADI Eco Centers here.
Market Your Adopt the Blue Sites on Social Media:
- Canva Template: Instagram Post Photo Frame
- Canva Template: Instagram Story Photo Frame
- Adopt the Blue Logo
How can I get support for Adopt the Blue?
You can reach out directly by getting in touch with AWARE staff at [email protected].
Need more inspiration? Check out our Adopt the Blue, “Creating Ocean Change” video
Thank you to our Marine Protected Areas sponsor, Blancpain
Blancpain has devoted itself to the cause of ocean exploration, preservation and protection, and is proud to be the founding partner of PADI AWARE’s Adopt The Blue Program and PADI’s Marine Protected Area Blueprint goal.
